Recap by phillip woo

In a wide-open race, Pearl Furu kept finding to hold off Holy Unicorn for the win in a class record time after taking off 1,000m out travelling fore of midfield to lead 100m later. Holy Unicorn cut the margin late to a half-length after a dream run. He can produce a good run at times but struggles to win. Golden Kid made ground late near the inside to finish a distant third following a patient ride fifth last on the fence. Favourite Hall Of Fame ran on steadily following a midfield run. He's nothing special but is always a chance of popping up over 2,000m and further. Le Panache made some ground late near the inside after settling third last from a wide gate. He's not good enough to be spotting them a head start and needs a better draw. Sweet Bean ran on without menacing from beyond midfield. He's always a chance at this level but needs a stronger rider. Wealthy Fortune plodded last 150m after travelling one-off worse than midfield.

Racing Incident Report

Race Two: (641) - GUIA HILL HANDICAP - Class 5 - 2200Meters

As the start was effected, MY FOLKS reared abruptly and struck the outside of its gate, resulting in the horse losing ground.

WEALTHY FORTUNE shifted out at the start and bumped GOLDEN KID.

DAZZLE WINNER lifted its front feet off the ground as the start was effected and consequently was slow to begin.

From the outside barrier, LE PANACHE was shifted across behind runners in the early stages.

Approaching the winning post on the first occasion, MI BLANCO was awkwardly placed close to the heels of WEALTHY FORTUNE.

GOLDEN KID, which was following, was steadied away from the heels of MI BLANCO for a short distance after passing the winning post on the first occasion.

In the early stages, EASTERN PROWESS was left racing wide and without cover and after the 1600 Metres was allowed to improve its position to race outside the lead.

HALL OF FAME lost its right front plate at the 750 Metres.

Apprentice M F Poon (HALL OF FAME) pleaded guilty to a charge of careless riding [Rule 100(1)] in that approaching the 500 Metres he directed his mount out when not clear of EASTERN PROWESS, causing that horse to be unnecessarily crowded for room and to lose the running to which it was rightfully entitled.

Apprentice Poon was suspended from riding in races for a period to commence on Sunday, 27 May 2018 and to expire on Monday, 4 June 2018 on which day he may resume race riding (3 Hong Kong racedays).

In addition, Apprentice Poon was fined $25,000.

Whilst the Stewards were satisfied that the riding of Apprentice C Wong (SWEET BEAN), which finished 6th, over the concluding stages did not affect the horse's finishing position, he was nonetheless reprimanded and reminded of his obligation to ride his mounts out at least hands and heels all the way to the end of the race where circumstances permit.

After the race, an endoscopic examination was conducted on MY FOLKS at the request of Trainer C W Chang.

The Veterinary Surgeon reported that this examination showed a substantial amount of blood in the horse's trachea.

Before being allowed to race again, MY FOLKS will be subjected to an official veterinary examination.

A veterinary inspection of MI BLANCO immediately following the race did not show any significant findings.